GAYLENE PRESTON
& Now Then Keeping Track of it All:
WW: What priority do you place on monitoring your films' performance?
Once I have sold a film into a territory I pay attention, but only to the extent of affecting what can be controlled. I am inclined to move on to the next thing because I usually have projects that need attention, and there is very little money to be had from the back end for the filmmaker. I get paid at the front end when I go into production. WW: What is the general acceptable 'return on investment' figure for your industry?
For the industry – billions, for filmmakers, earning a reasonable living makes you one of the lucky ones. WW: How is this tracking implemented?
Variety magazine for Box Office, TV broadcasters for ratings. Film Income Accounts are held by specialist agencies on behalf of the investors. Those accounts live for years and years. Films and TV can be sold over and over in time.
Below: With Sam Neill on the set of Perfect Strangers Planning Heading:
WW: What are some of your key goals for the future over the next 18 months?
To finance my next project and make it. Inhale and exhale. Stay joyful in my world, both personal and business. WW: What practices have you set in place for succession management?
None. When I die my films will live on, so if my company needs to continue in order to service the legacy and someone I trust is prepared to take it on then the GPP Company will continue, but I do not want to impose that on my daughter, Chelsie, or on any of my young managers.
18 | WHO'S WHO 2012
